Wednesday 27 May 2015

Merchant and Mills Workbook Review

I love a closet full of posies blog - she always seems to make effortlessly stylish clothes. Recently some of the comments talked about the new Merchant and Mills book - so obviously I had to google it and after a little deliberation (roughly 5 minutes) I decided that I would buy it. Participating in me made May has taught me that I do need some simple non- patterned makes in my me made wardrobe. I have always liked the Merchant and Mills patterns they are unfussy and stylish but for some reason I had never purchased one.




  This is not just a sewing book it is a thing of beauty, a work of art even. I think that if you didn't have the slightest bit of interest in sewing you could pick this book up and appreciate the photography, layout, and over all put togetherness of this book.


It comes with 6 patterns on sheets that you need to trace off  (and occasionally add bits to). All of the patterns (except one) have at least one variation. The patterns are all typical Merchant and Mills patterns ie utilitarian, non fussy but stylish I don't want to show too many shots of the inside as I would hate to spoil it for anyone thinking of ordering the book - but take my word for it the photography is amazing.


  This is not really a beginners sewing book - if you have never sewn before then this is probably not the best book for you to start with (they have produced two other sewing books that I think guide you through the basics). If you have some sewing knowledge than this book will take you through simple projects (like the bantam vest) through to more complex garments such as the stride trousers (and shorts) or the Hazelmere Jacket.

  I decided that I would start with the Bantam vest - it has a racer/boxer type back, usually I steer clear of anything like this as I hate to have bra straps showing - and no way am I ever going without!! The photos of this garment (and all of the others) just make it look gorgeous and floaty - great dressed up or down.  So I thought I would give it a go (I can always buy one of those multiway bras!). I used a 100% cotton Ikea duvet cover that I picked up from a charity shop! (I already turned the pillow cases into my pom pom scarf), the fabric has quite an open weave I think making it a bit like a double gauze so perfect for a floaty sleeveless summer top!

  Merchant and Mills patterns are a little different from other patterns I have used but once I worked out what the symbols were on the pattern sheet (it mostly explains them in the book) and after I googled Merchant and Mills pattern sizing (it only gives finished dimensions in the book and I am not used to judging my pattern size on this) I was ready to go. This pattern is simple and easy and the book takes you through it, the only thing I did differently was to apply the bias binding not in a pre made loop as I found it was too long to do it the way the book suggested. It was generally a quick make with few issues.

  I am very pleased with the result - I think this vest can look quite different depending on what material you use and what you pair it with, I really like the high front and lower back hemline. I have been wearing it all day and am already thinking of what other versions I could make!

  I have dressed it up with my denim Maude skirt (yet to be blogged!) and summer clogs:


Lovin' the sunshine this half term!



  We went on a picnic later on in the day - so perfect to try it out dressed down:

Front


Back


High front, low back hemline adds interest.




  As for the other garments - I am desparate to give all of them a go plus the variations - I just need to start saving up for the copious amounts of linen that I want to make them all out of! (Seriously if anyone knows a good quality but fairly inexpensive linen source please let me know!!). It is hard to tell how good the instructions are for the more complex garments without making them - from reading them through they seem to take you through the making process in a logical way.

  Would I recommend this book? - yes - even if I had not made anything from it, it is a beautiful book with a good amount of information on various techniques - I have learnt a lot from just glancing through it (bear in mind though that I am not an experienced sewist). If you have a little sewing knowledge, like the style of the Merchant and Mills patterns and you are OK about having a few good quality patterns rather than lots and lots in different styles (some of which you would never make) then this book is for you! If you like flouncy frilly brightly patterned garments then this book may not be the one (although there is no reason why these patterns could not be made up in bold prints - It would give them a whole different look).

  I hope anyone on half term is having fun! - I can't believe we are already half way through the week, time just goes by too quickly!

  Thanks for stopping by!

             Su xx

13 comments:

  1. Su, thanks so much for your kind words. I am so pleased to have you as a new visitor to my blog!

    Oh, that book! You must live in the UK to have got it so quickly? I will wait to order it from M & M next month. Thanks for showing a preview and giving a review. That's a cute vest you made! It's always great to find patterns that you can whip up quickly! Have fun sewing more from the book!

    PS can't tell you about where to find cheap linen as I have not sewed with linen before though I'd be interested in doing so this summer!

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    1. Yes I am in the UK - I think you will enjoy the book - it is a shame you can't get it quicker! I love sewing with linen but it is so expensive!

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  2. Great top, I can imagine this sewn up in may different fabrics. Thank you for the review of the book, it definitely looks interesting. We are so lucky to have so many inspirational sewing books around now days. My only problem is I usually want to make everything I see!

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    1. I have exactly the same problem - so many beautiful things and not nearly enough time/money to make them all!!!!

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  3. Hi, what an interesting post. I've never used a Merchant and Mills pattern yet but they seem to be popping up on all the blogs. The top does look really versatile. By the way, that photo of you looking up: gorgeous.

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    1. Thank you!! I do like the simplicity of their patterns I think I sometimes get attracted by bold fabric or fancy patterns which then means that nothing goes together!! I need to concentrate on making a few basic garments that will pull everything together!!

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  4. Love the top. The book looks great, it is nice to have some simple practical patterns to go to, if I didn't have an overflowing sewing bookcase I might be tempted!

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  5. My copy arrived this morning and seeing all the beautiful things inside just made me forget about the nasty cold I have. I just love how simple the patterns look. I also plan on starting with the Bantam and working my way through. Your top looks so nice and comfortable

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    1. It is a lovely book! - I still haven't had time to make anything else from it - but I have the fabric all washed and ready to go!! I hope that your cold get's better soon and you feel well enough to sew!!

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  6. Thanks for the review, just got my copy! For linen, try http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/1644474-AA.shtml

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  7. Can't wait for mine to finally get here! The fact that the patterns have the finished measurements is a boon for me since you can decide how much ease rather than trying to do the math beforehand when tracing out the size. The Top 64 is probably my current fave, followed by the Camber Set. As for linen, my go to place is www.fabric-store.com. Check out the doggie bag section for remnant cuts, I've never been dissatisfied with their quality.

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  8. Abakhan linen - works out about £8 for 3m if you buy it from their baskets instead of off the roll. I'm struggling to work out the darts for the skirt now....

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    1. Thanks Ginny! I will defiantly try Abakhan! Good luck with the skirt darts! I have still not progressed further than the bantam as yet!!!!

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